How to Organize an After Prom Event for Under $20 per Student

A prom can be a transforming event for a young person, a virtual rite of passage. You want the attendees to enjoy themselves that evening, but you also want to protect them from harm. Organize an after-prom event to provide them with safe entertainment.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Organize a committee of parents, teachers, guidance counselors and the school principal. Divide the following duties among committee members: communication, finances, party planning, fund raising, solicitations and volunteer coordinating.

2. Find a location for the party. Many high schools open their buildings to parents willing to organize an after prom event for the students. YMCAs, churches or community centers are other alternatives.

3. Set a participation goal. If you think 50 percent of the senior class will come, multiply that number by $20. This will be your budget for the event. It can expand if you receive more confirmations from attendees.

4. Solicit support for the event by publicizing it. Write memos in the school's newsletter or on the school's website, advertising what you are trying to accomplish, when you meetings are held, and what you need in terms of volunteers and donations.

5. Send letters to local businesses, churches, community organizations, and city or town councils asking for donations. Emphasize that you are giving teens a safe and alcohol-free environment. Note your financial goals. Promise to advertise their support to the public after the event.

6. As far as planning the actual party, plan things that are of interest to teens. Some of the favorite activities at After Prom don't have to cost a lot. Casinos (with parents as the dealers and fake money), snacks, DJ with Karaoke, videos or DVDs, and a few games will keep kids going into the wee hours of the morning. The important thing for the kids is a place to be together with friends. Decorations are important, but you can do a lot with black plastic, cardboard, paint, fabric, and your imagination.

7. An After Prom Party is only successful if the students actually come. Build excitement for the event with hints of what might happen. Place posters around the school and make announcements about the event. Encourage parents in the school to encourage their child to go to this official After Prom Party.

Tips & Warnings

• As with most new events, the first time is the hardest. Once people understand what the event is about, they are more willing to jump in and help. Persevere. By the second or third year everyone will be behind the project.
• One important way to cut the cost of an After Prom party is to partner with other organizations that can provide services to you for free. This includes the school, municipal authorities where you live, or organizations that serve your community. All of these groups have an interest in keeping teenagers off the streets and safe after their Prom.

Resources

• There are lots of details to organizing an After Prom. If this article got your attention, order